Palladium Books® Weekly Update – Dec. 30, 2015

By Kevin Siembieda

Happy New Year!

I hope your Christmas weekend was filled with laughter and pleasant surprises. My Christmas was small and quiet, but joyful and very pleasant with Kathy, friends and family. Between it and the Palladium Christmas party, I’m happy to say that I have much more music to inspire me while I write. I can’t listen to music with words while I write, so I have a wide range of movie scores on CD. Kathy and the crew added a good dozen for my listening enjoyment as well as a number of other thoughtful gifts.

I actually took all three days off. It was nice to take a long weekend after several months of relentless work and long hours. I mostly lazed around the house, spoke on the phone to loved ones, saw the movie Creed (I liked it) and enjoyed the company of the people around me. I still haven’t seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens yet. I plan to do so next week; I don’t want to fight the holiday crowds. I also got caught up on a bunch of TV shows with Kathy and Alex. I’m way behind on Doctor Who, so it was nice to catch 5 or 6 episodes. All in all, a very serene and pleasant holiday.

I was happy to hear from the gent who is using Palladium role-playing games in his school curriculum, as well as in an after-school gaming club. Apparently, the students are enjoying the games immensely and they are helping them with their studies on several fronts. I love that our games are being used to help kids unlock their imaginations and enjoy reading and exploring new ideas. I have always felt that learning should be fun — awesome! It sounds like the program and game club is expanding, so I sent another box of RPGs and supplements to keep them excited and motivated.

I was pretty good about staying on top of things this December, but the next thing I knew it was Christmas and the year’s end. I had a half dozen Christmas packages to send after Christmas (I just couldn’t wrap, pack and ship it all in time), and I still have a number of freelancer agreements and correspondences to send out. I’m working on it. I’m working on it. :)

A positive response on surviving depression

I didn’t know how people might respond to my words about depression. I’m happy to say that the overall response has been positive. I almost didn’t include it, but I know a lot of people are quietly suffering with depression and that the holiday season can make it worse. I’m glad I did, because I want people to know they are not alone, and there is help.

Is this a real problem? Sadly, yes. Case in point, I received this tragic email on Monday:

“It is ironic that we are having this conversation; I received word this morning that a young woman, who is a friend of one of my gaming buddies, attempted to take her own life over the weekend. She is not expected to make it. Depression is an insidious enemy. I think it is marvelous that you addressed it so eloquently in your update.”

It is people like this woman that I had hoped I could reach before she took extreme measures to end her suffering. It is with a sad heart that I report she did not survive. A terrible loss. My heart and prayers go out to her loved ones.

Depression is an insidious illness that can seep into anyone’s life. Even yours. It may result from emotional trauma, deep loss, or a chemical imbalance (or all of the above). The reasons why, really don’t matter. What is important is that you realize you are not alone and you can overcome it and be okay. Our minds and bodies can only handle so much. And that that’s okay. Just like it is okay to seek help. Not just okay, but imperative.

The person who sent me the email has also successfully battled depression and come out on the winning end. Other people contacted me as well. A dear friend’s loved one continues her long battle with depression, and I wish her my best. I admire her for wrestling with the monster, because so many others choose not to do so and suffer terribly. Depression is a difficult beast to fight.

YOU are not alone. I stress this, because the worst part of depression is how it makes you feel isolated and alone, overwhelmed and empty. But you are not alone. There are people who love you. People who want to help if you let them. Even complete strangers. Reach out to your friends and loved ones. Find what brings you joy and cling to it like the lifeline that it is. Every journey starts with that first step, so take it.

Sometimes, however, your friends and loved ones cannot help you, precisely because they care so much. They are too close to you and though you might not realize it, they are frightened, confused and hurting right along with you. They may want to help, but may not know how or are scared of making matters worse. That means YOU need to take action. Thankfully, it is one small step: speak to someone about the monster you battle. That “someone” can be a caring and understanding clergy, coworker, a doctor, or a mental health care professional. The very fact that they are not emotionally attached to you and understand the malady, enables them to be unbiased and better equipped to help you. Listen to what they have to say and try to follow their advice.

You need to be proactive in your fight with the darkness. No doctor or anyone else can do that for you. They can offer you guidance, support, and even medicine, but you must take those first steps and take their help, and follow their advice to get out of the darkness. That’s okay, too, because like exercise, it gets easier over time.

Not all professionals are great at their job. If you don’t like your doctor or therapist, dump him or her and find another one. You need to feel a connection and must trust the person. If you can’t, you need to find someone else. Likewise, loved ones who have never experienced depression cannot truly understand it. I know this first hand. I have known several people who have struggled with depression for decades. As a close, caring friend, I thought I knew what they were going through. Boy, was I wrong. It was not until my own bout with the smothering darkness that I came to know and understand depression, and it is awful. Debilitating. But beatable.

I have more respect for those of you fighting this monster than ever before. Keep fighting. Please don’t for a second think that you are weak or worthless, or that it is somehow your own fault. And don’t trick yourself into feeling lost and helpless. This is definitely a battle worth fighting and one that can be won. I, for one, applaud your courage to pick up that sword to engage in battle.

I know it’s cliche, but take it one day at a time, find your joy, be hopeful, and don’t let anyone take those two things away from you. Keep moving down the right path even if it feels like it is taking forever. Over time, you’ll find the battle gets easier, and one day, you’ll stand triumphant. For some of you that may be a battle won. For others it may be learning to manage the depression enough to make life better and very much worth living. Oh, and don’t spiral down the black hole when you lose a fight in this ongoing struggle. It happens. What’s important is that you gather your strength and pick yourself back up. The first step is admitting you need help. The second is seeking the help you need to join the battle. I know you can do it. There are millions of us who already have. There is always hope.

– With love and understanding, Kevin Siembieda

2 weeks left to get a Surprise Package – offer ends January 15, 2016

Why does Palladium extend this amazing offer? Because we realize many of you are so full of the Christmas Spirit that you spend your money on gifts for your loved ones rather than yourself. This wonderful act of charity often leaves no money for you to buy a Palladium Surprise Package for yourself. We think that sacrifice is pretty awesome and what the holiday season is all about, so we extend the offer so that you selfless souls can pick up a Surprise Package after the holidays. We know this happens, because a lot people over the years have thanked us for the extension for this very reason.

The extension is also for you Johnny Come-Latelies who are so caught up in the holiday frenzy, work and life that somehow you miss placing your order for the Christmas Surprise Package before the offer ends. It’s also for those of you who wish you had ordered one (or another one) but forgot. Lastly, it is our way to carry that holiday good cheer into the New Year. So get your post-holiday Surprise Package and enjoy.

This offer will not be extended further. This is your last chance until next Winter. Happy Holidays.

Click here for complete details and to order your Christmas Surprise Package.

UPDATE: The Rifter® #73 – January, 2016, release

Wayne is working away on The Rifter® #73. Mike Wilson is wrapping up the cover. Another great issue!

Happy New Year to you, from us

I know, the salutation comes a day or so early, but we wanted to make sure our sincere well wishes got to you before the excitement of another long weekend.

We have some big plans for the new year and some exciting prospects for Palladium Books and our many game lines, particularly Rifts® and Robotech®, but also Chaos Earth®, Splicers®, Palladium Fantasy RPG®, Heroes Unlimited and other games lines. I’ll talk about that more in an upcoming Weekly Update. For now I want to leave you in the warmth of the holiday season with more comments from fans like you. Oh, and don’t forget, you only have about two weeks left to order a 2015 Surprise Package! Don’t say we didn’t give you plenty of warning.

Happy New Year – may it be filled with love, good health and prosperity for us all.

– Kevin Siembieda, Game Designer, Writer, Publisher

Season greetings and comments from Palladium fans like you

By now you know the drill. These comments are a way to acknowledge at least some of our wonderful fans and the kind words they share with us. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have stuck with Palladium through thick and thin. Keep those imaginations burning bright, have a joyous holiday season and help us make 2016 a banner year. FYI: I try to give a short response to most comments. They appear in brackets. Happy New Year.

R.A. in Rochester, Minnesota, writes: Almost thought I was going to have to miss my Grab Bag this season. Thank you for extending it. I was gifted a copy of D&D 5th Edition recently, and it made me more cognizant of how great it is to have a gaming system where I’m not having to rewrite for a new edition every couple years.

[Glad you were able to snag yourself a Grab Bag, R.A. Thanks for the kind words. – KS]

R.L. in Las Vegas, Nevada, writes: This is not the first time we have ordered a Christmas Surprise Package, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. It’s awesome that you are doing this again. We’re so glad that you all are sill around to provide your fans with these incredible games. I’ve been gaming for at least 10 years; longer for my husband. Keep up the great job and thank you!

[Thank you, R.L. for the very kind the words. There have been some tough and scary times so we’re glad we’re still around too. We have no plans of slowing down, either. In fact, if anything, we have bigger plans than ever. Happy New Year. – KS]

P.P. in Natick, Massachusetts, writes: Thanks for giving me years of wonderful characters, immersive settings and the ability to stretch my imagination with my friends every week.

[Happy to do it, P.P. Thank you for your years of support and kind words. – KS]

E.A. in Burien, Washington, writes: I absolutely love Palladium. I have been playing since 1988 in this system. My wife bought me a July Grab Bag because she is awesome. Thank you.

[We love this enthusiastic message, E.A., thank you. Glad you have an awesome spouse and thrilled you’ve been enjoying our games for almost 30 years. Game on and Happy New Year! – KS]

K.M.G. in Lehi, Utah, writes: Thanks for doing this every year. It’s great fun to get signed books I’m missing for my collection.

[That’s why we do it, K.M.G. We are glad you enjoy our work and the autographs. -KS]

S.L. in Beavercreek, Ohio, writes: Thank you Palladium Books for all you have done for the gaming community! I have never been disappointed in the picks I have received (in a Grab Bag).

[I’m glad to hear it, S.L. We aim to please. – KS]

L.R. in Long Beach, California, writes: Thank you for all the hard work you put into creating these amazing, fantastical settings.

[You are welcome, L.R. They are a product of love and joy. Game on. – KS]

S.M. in Hackensack, New Jersey, writes: Thanks for doing this every year. I hope you guys get back to producing more RPG books. I always enjoy reading and buying your products. Just hasn’t been all that much in recent years. You are one of my favorite RPG companies and I hope to see you around for a long time!

[Thank you, S.M., me too! And you can count on seeing a lot of new RPG products in 2016. – KS]

J.S. in Turlock, California, writes: Merry Christmas to all. Thank you for all the great work you’ve done. Please, please keep going. God bless all of you.

[Thank you so much, J.S. Though it has been difficult at times, we sure plan to be around for many more years. We have a zillion ideas for new books and games. Keep your eyes pealed. I hope your Christmas was special, indeed, and the New Year is good to you. – KS]

D.T. in Ashtabula, Ohio, writes (in part): It is hard to pick just one

(favorite) from all the wonderful games you have, but if I had to pick just one, it would be The Mechanoids®... Next would have to be Palladium Fantasy RPG®... I am looking forward to this Surprise Package. Surprises are good, my last one was finding out my wife is pregnant ... projected birthdate is the first week in June.

[Congratulations, D.T.! It sounds like the New Year will be a very happy one, indeed. Take care and keep that imagination burning bright. – KS]

H.D. in Winston, Oregon, writes (in part): Keep up the good work, my friends. As time passes things will only get better. I also hope for a return foray into the videogame market as well. I’m absolutely certain Rifts Promise of Power will be a welcome readdition to the electronic marketplace.

[That would be sweet, H.D. In fact, we have a gent who is going to be shopping around various Palladium I.P.s for us. We would love to see Rifts®, Wormwood, Splicers®, or any of our games made into a videogame. Who knows what the new year may hold for us. Maybe your positive vibes will help make a Rifts® videogame a reality. – KS]

G.W. in Elk Grove, California, writes (in part): This will be my second list this Christmas, the first one was awesome! ... I’ve read my fair share of Palladium Books and played your game system for nearly two decades now ... viewing your autographs brought on this flood of emotions. Here is a group of people who put hard work into these books so me and my friends can enjoy it... You continue to fuel the fires of imagination that drives the enjoyment of my group. We may not understand what your exact job is, but you have a group of folks out in California who truly appreciate what you do.

[Thank you for your heartwarming comments, G.W. I had everyone at Palladium read them and they touched the heart of each and every one of us. We feel the same way. We love what we do and we love the gamers, like you, who we do it for. I can tell you that I, Chuck, Carl and most of the freelancers write the games and sourcebooks very much with our customers in mind. We do this for you, as much as to give vent to our own creative energies. And you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Boy, do we have ideas for all kinds of upcoming projects. Thank you so much for sharing. I think we’ll keep you smiling and gaming for years to come. It’s all about character, story and wow factor driven by mutual respect and appreciation. Game on! – KS]

R.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, writes (in part): If you ever wonder whether your work makes a difference, just think about my husband.

[Thank you R.C., for sharing your moving story with us. It touched us in a profound way. Obviously, I’m not going to share it with the world, that’s not my place, but I did want to thank you for sharing it. Your situation and kind words were humbling, sad and beautiful at the same time. It will stay with us forever. You and your husband’s spirit, passion and joy for our games and life is an inspiration to us all. Thank you. May the new year be a wonderful one for you both. – KS]

S.K. in Twin Falls, Idaho, writes: Thank you guys for making such awesome RPGs. My brother and friend from high school have had many great adventures now spanning 20 years! Keep up the good work.

[Will do, S.K. It’s easy when you love what you do. And that’s the beauty of role-playing, all those amazing and fun adventures with friends. Game on. – KS]

D.A. in Johnson City, Tennessee, writes (in part): I love the concept of the Rifts® Underseas book. I don’t know how much I wasted trying to fit that into a Heroes Unlimited/Atlantis themed mini-campaign. The dolphin and orca armor is brilliant... Last, thanks to Kevin and all the people at Palladium past and present for such a great game system and the worlds they’ve created with them. Have a Merry Christmas and profitable New Year.

[Thank you, D.A., same to you. – KS]

J.B. in Elanger, Kentucky, writes: Palladium is the best. My thanks to Santa Kev and all his crazy elves and their hard work all year. Have a Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming year.

[Thank you, J.B., and the same to you. The crazy elves and I have big plans for the new year. Hopefully they all come to fruition. We’re feeling re-energized and raring to go. Happy New Year, everyone. – KS]

The Rifter® Number 71 & 72 – shipping now!

Now shipping! The 224 page Double Issue of The Rifter® #71 & #72 is packed with source material from across the Megaverse®. There are adventure settings, monsters of Japan, ninjas, superspies, the Town of Semjaw, the floating haven called the Pearl, Game Master tips, a short story that is a prelude to The Disavowed, and plenty of adventure and adventure ideas, plus news and coming attractions.

Every issue of The Rifter® is an idea factoryfor players and Game Masters to generate new ideas, and find new avenues of adventure. It provides useful, ready to go, source material you can just drop into your ongoing games. A doorway to new possibilities and numerous Palladium role-playing worlds.

Beyond the Supernatural™ but also suitable for Rifts®, Ninjas & Superspies/HU2, and other settings – Yokai of Japan by Shawn Merrow and Siembieda – 10 monsters inspired by Japanese myth. Some really fun monsters to spice up any campaign. Art by Mike Mumah. ‘Nuff said.

Rifts® – The Town of Semjaw™ by Brett Caron. A community sitting on the bones of pre-Rifts ruins. And the building blocks of an adventure setting.

Rifts® – Reaper Cell™ short story by Dan Frederick. A sort of prelude to the upcoming Rifts® sourcebook, The Disavowed.

All game settings – “Official” G.M. tips on taking advantage of the Palladium Megaverse, by Kevin Siembieda.

All game settings – “Official” G.M. tips on Adventuring in the Megaverse® by Julius Rosenstein. How to bring multi-genre characters and blend powers and gear from several diverse game worlds into a single setting. Conversion tips and more.

All game settings – “Official” G.M. tips on improving adventures and storytelling for role-playing games by Glen Evans and Siembieda. Personal experiences, observations, tips and suggestions on how to improvise entire adventures.

BACK IN PRINT: Reminder 9 titles back in stock – available now

A number of book titles had recently slipped temporarily out of print, and a few, like Rifts® Adventure Sourcebook One: Chi-Town ‘Burbs: Forbidden Knowledge™, have been out of print for more than a year. Well, they are all back in stock and available now. And because you demanded it, the original Island at the Edge of the World™, Palladium Fantasy RPG® sourcebook is being brought back as a special, short-run printing. Island uses the first edition rules for Palladium Fantasy, but is very easily adapted to the current rules.

Rifts® World Book 8: Japan – 216 pages – $24.95 – Cat. No. 818 – 20 O.C.C.s including the Samurai, Ninja, Cyber-Samurai, Cyberoid, Demon Queller, and Dragon Cyborgs! Tons of weapons and equipment, living Samurai Swords, Rune Weapons, Japanese demons, the Glitter Boy and technology of the Republic of Japan, the ways of the traditional New Empire, and much more. Available now.

Rifts® Sourcebook 3: Mindwerks™ – 112 pages – $16.95 – Cat. No. 812 – The Angel of Death, Gene-Splicers and their creations, Mindwerks cyborgs, new monsters, the Brodkil Empire, Gargoyles, the Millennium Tree of Darkness, weapons, equipment, the Kingdom of Poland, epic adventure and more. A companion for Triax and the NGR™ and Warlords of Russia™. Available now.

Rifts® Chaos Earth® Resurrection™ – available now!

The Golden Age of Science and human civilization is shattered with the return of magic and the Coming of the Rifts. Overnight, human civilization is toppled. Many major cities are wiped from the face of the Earth. Humanity struggles to survive against impossible odds and the demonic horrors, aliens and monsters emerging from the Rifts.

Now comes the first invasion from another world. Its army? The corpses of our own dead, deliberately reanimated to become an invasion force to conquer the living. A growing number are mechanized zombies – nightmarish creations with multiple body parts and armor and weapons bolted right onto their bodies. Unless stopped, they could wipe out all human life.

Do you hear the Transmission? If you do, it may drive you mad.

Chaos Zombies rise to slaughter the living.

12 different mechanized Scrap Zombies soon join their ranks.

Frankenstein amalgamations, Scrap Zombies are armored and weaponized in ways never before imagined. They stalk the ruins of civilization and battle power armored troops in a death match humanity must win.

Amped Zombies are fast and deadly.

Boogeymen lurk in the shadows to pick off the living one by one.

Brain Melters are dead Crazies who use their powers to hunt the living and locate them for the zombie hordes.

Garbagemen gather the dead, extra body parts and special components.

Headbanger are horrific and deadly with multiple heads and long-range weapons.

Living Dead Girls are the infiltrators who look normal but are zombie saboteurs and assassins.

Reapers, armored, fast and deadly.

Scorchers, walking time bombs.

Soldier Boys are the backbone of the Scrap Zombies.

Stitchers rebuild and repair the zombies in the field.

Toxic Vomitous spew acidic bile at the living.

Walking Nightmares, a freakish and monstrous amalgamation of body parts and weapons.

Chaos Zombies, what you might consider “normal” zombies that number into the tens of thousands. It is they who get cannibalized and remade into the weaponized Scrap Zombies.

Palladium Christmas Surprise Packages start NOW!

Can you believe it? It's that time again for the Palladium Christmas Surprise Package! Palladium Books® has been doing Christmas Surprise Packages, or “Grab Bags,” for 17 or 18 years. It enables you to get several RPG titles ($86-95 worth for ONLY $42 plus shipping and handling) as gifts or for yourself. It is our way to say thank you to our many fans for being so kind and patient, and for your years of support. You are appreciated more than you may realize.

Christmas Surprise Packages are not just for Christmas. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the Winter Solstice, or you’re looking for a gift for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any special occasion that falls between now and February, a Surprise Package may be the ideal way to go. You get a ton of stuff on the cheap, you can get a bunch of autographs (if you want ‘em), and you look like you spent a fortune.

This is also a great way to try that game setting you’ve wondered about (Splicers®, Dead Reign®, Chaos Earth®, Palladium Fantasy®, Nightbane®, etc.), or to get something for your favorite Game Master, or perhaps to get your player group to consider a new game or setting.

Your “Wish List” – The Palladium Surprise Packages are designed to simulate the fun, joy and surprise of the Christmas Season of Giving. To do this, you submit a list of 10-14 Palladium products (or more) FOR EACH Surprise Package you order. This list of 10-14 items for EACH Grab Bag is critical, because you will not know which items you’ll be getting. That makes it just like a Christmas gift because it’s a surprise! Plus, Santa Kevin, who personally hand-picks every item for every Grab Bag, may toss in something extra like a limited edition print or T-shirt, or issue of The Rifter®, or something else he thinks you’ll enjoy.

Autographed books. For those of you who want them (which are most people), the available members of the Palladium staff, and any freelancers we can lasso at the time, are happy to autograph each and every book in your Surprise Package. This is the only way many fans, especially those in other countries, can EVER get signed books.

Send us your brief comments. There is a special form and format to fill out for Christmas Surprise Packages, including a place where you can offer your brief comments, suggestions, greetings and salutations.

It only costs $42 plus shipping to get $86-$95+ worth of Palladium products! First-timers are always nervous until they see the great value in their first Surprise Package. A typical Grab Bag has $86-$95 worth of product, sometimes more! Yes, sometimes more. Many people order 2-3. Some order 4-6, and some maniacs order even more! It makes sense, because it is a great way to fill holes in your own collection, treat yourself, get autographs, try new games and settings, and get your gaming pals gifts. SPREAD THE WORD about this great offer.

Zombie Time!

Think you can survive the Zombie Apocalypse? Do you have a desire to kick some zombie butt? Then you want the Dead Reign® RPG – available from Palladium Books® or as PDFs from DriveThruRPG.com. There are currently six titles that are as much fun to read as they are to play. And more are coming.

Dead Reign® RPG – Core Rules – everything you need to know to play

Experience the nightmare of being stalked by the living dead. Who can you trust? Where can you go to be safe? How do you fight the dead? Find out in Dead Reign® – a complete role-playing game that captures the horror, suspense and trauma of the post-apocalyptic world dominated by zombie hordes. And the zombies? More than what you may expect. All of them deadly.

Rules are easy to learn.

Combat is fast, fun and intuitive.

The setting, brutal and unrelenting.

Characters represent the last of humanity.

Play ordinary people who must find a way to survive against impossible odds; 40 different occupations and notable skills for each.

Or play one of the more extraordinary survivors who battle zombies and try to rescue the living. They don’t mean to be heroes, they just are.

They say there is no surviving a zombie bite.The Half-Living say otherwise. They are victims of a zombie attack, but instead of dying and turning, they come out of their coma more (or some would say, less) than human. The question is, might they turn at any time?

Slouchers are the slow moving zombies. They gather in large herds and kill all they encounter.

Flesh-Eating Zombies are fast and predatory. They hunt in packs, and stalk humans day and night.

Mock Zombies are twisted abominations: The dead who retain a large portion of their mind and identity, but cannot accept what they have become. Most are quite insane and insist they are not monsters. They claim to be alive, and only want to help their “fellow man.” That last part might even be true, until the irresistible need to kill the living takes over.

Pattern Zombies are the dead that only kill when they come face to face with the living or are attacked first. Unlike the Slouchers and other zombies, they don’t seek out human prey. Rather, they are locked in some pattern from their past life, endlessly reenacting their job at the factory, or a typical day at home mowing the lawn or watching the game on a TV that no longer receives broadcasts.

Thinkers are among the most dangerous: zombies that retain a level of cognitive thought and awareness. They can open a door or unlatch a gate, use a weapon such as a knife or axe, figure out ways to get inside strongholds and go around traps. Worst of all, other zombies follow them, and Thinkers often lead mobs of lesser zombies against the living.

More than 30 pages describing zombies, with all the hows and whys of their behavior and their need to kill the living. Seven different types of zombies (more appear in the Dark Places and Endless Dead sourcebooks).

Page after page of Zombie Apocalypse survival tips.

Six Apocalyptic Character Classes, with any number of Ordinary People as survivors fighting to keep humanity alive.

Death Cults and their leaders. Not all humans are allies.

Retro-Savages, survivors who blame the apocalypse on technology, and feed people who still use guns, cars and tech, to the dead.

Weapons, survival tips and how to fight the dead!

Vehicles, equipment and notable resources.

101 Random Scenarios/Encounters/Settings, adventure ideas and more.

The complete core rule book. And learn the rules of this RPG and you can play any Palladium RPG. You see, Palladium’s games all use the same basic rules. Learn one, and you can play them all. More than that, you can bring your characters, weapons, powers and magic from one game setting to the next, creating a truly infinite Megaverse® of worlds and adventure.

Cover by E.M. Gist.

Art by Amy Ashbaugh, Nick Bradshaw, Mark Dudley and Mike Mumah.

Written by Kevin Siembieda, Josh Hilden and Joshua Sanford.

$22.95 – 224 page core rule book – Cat. No. 230. Available now from Palladium Books® and in game shops everywhere. Also available in PDF format from DriveThruRPG.com.

Dead Reign® Sourcebooks

– Expand the world, many more settings, adventure ideas, new zombies and danger

Dead Reign® Sourcebook 3: Endless Dead™ – $16.95 – 96 pages – Cat. No. 233. The fate of the US military, military bases, random encounters and scavenger tables, tables for random military bases and survivor caravans, vehicle combat rules, anti-zombie defenses, new O.C.C.s like the Wheelman and Zombie Researcher, new zombies like Fused Zombies and the Walking Graveyard, Death Cults, survival tips, and more. Available now in PDF format from DriveThru or as a printed book from Palladium.

For a different kind of horror game, see Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG – Core Rules – $24.95 – 256 pages – Cat. No. 700. Modern horror like you have never played before. Plausible setting, monsters and concepts that makes sense and will have you wondering if this stuff could be for real. 14 Psychic character classes, 42 occupations for “ordinary” people, more than 100 psychic abilities, creatures of darkness and more. Three new sourcebooks planned for 2016. A game for the thinking gamer.

And for something completely different – Nightbane® RPG – Core Rules – $24.95 – 240 pages – Cat. No. 730. Nothing has been the same since Dark Day. Earth has been secretly invaded by demons from a hell that is eternal night. Doppelgangers replace many of the people you know and now run the world governments. The Nightbane are human beings (or are they?) linked to something ancient and supernatural, and who conceal a monster within themselves. Inhuman alter-egos that wield supernatural powers and magic abilities. And some say, powers that can fight the monsters from the Nightlands. You, in fact, could be one of them and not even know it – yet.

The events unfolding in World Book 35: Megaverse® in Flames threaten to change the entire landscape of Rifts® Earth as the demonic minions of Hades and Dyval seek to bring Hell on Earth, and turn the planet into a dimensional gateway to Armageddon!

The Coalition States, along with Northern Gun and Lazlo, take the lead in the defense of North America. Heroes of Humanity explores the good and bad in the Coalition’s efforts to save humanity and send this new threat back to the pits of Hell.

New Coalition weapons, armor and war machines.

The Coalition States: Are they heroes or villains? Or does it depend on whether you are human or not?

Can the CS fight alongside mages and D-Bees if it means saving the world?

COMING – Rifts® Secrets of the Coalition States: The Disavowed™

“Desperate times require desperate measures. War has nothing to do with morality or justice. It’s all about winning or dying. We cannot bind our hands with high ideals, even our own, or worry about the laws of renegade nations or the rights of alien people. We must fight fire with fire. And you are the match.” – Colonel Lyboc addressing a Disavowed team

The Disavowed are so Top Secret that their existence is known only to a handful of the Coalition States’ most elite, top echelon, with Joseph Prosek II the mastermind behind the Disavowed operation, and Colonel Lyboc its shadowy face. Find out who these men and women are. How the Disavowed get away with using magic, traveling to other parts of Rifts Earth and even to other dimensions in pursuit of enemies and strategic information that cannot be had through conventional means. Learn about the secret parameters in which these hard-boiled warriors, secretly hand-picked by Joseph Prosek II, operate, why almost every mission is considered a suicide mission, and why they must forever be the Disavowed.

CS operatives so secret that even the top military and political leaders right up to Emperor Prosek know nothing about them. And if they did know, would they condone their activity or condemn it?

Are the Disavowed heroes or renegades? Assassins or soldiers? Madmen or super-patriots? Or a little of them all?

Unsung heroes who keep the CS safe, or thugs and pawns of a shadow agency within the Coalition government?

What role does the Vanguard play in this group?

How do they reward their D-Bee “teammates” when the mission is over?

What happens to the Disavowed when they have seen or learned too much? Adventure ideas galore and so much more.

COMING – Rifts® Secrets of the Atlanteans™

True Atlanteans are descendants from Earth’s past. The survivors of the sinking of Atlantis (really a dimensional mishap) and travelers of the Megaverse, wielders of Tattoo Magic and other lost mystic arts. Most people regard them as heroes, but are they? The Sunaj Assassins are mythic villains feared by all, yet they too are True Atlanteans who serve dark forces.

For the first time, much of the story behind True Atlanteans and their secrets are revealed.

True Atlanteans revisited.

Optional Atlantean character creation tables including clan heritage and other factors.

Secrets of the stone pyramids, different types/purposes and powers.

Many new magic tattoos, magic spells, weapons and armor.

Atlantean hideouts and secret communities across the Megaverse.

The Sunaj Assassins, their secrets, history and plans for the future.

Atlantean Monster Hunter O.C.C., Atlantean Defender O.C.C. and much more. And this is just the tip of what this book contains.

COMING – Rifts® Chaos Earth® Sourcebook: First Responders

The Great Cataclysm has devastated civilization, but humanity fights for survival. The struggles of civilian law enforcement, fire and rescue, and everyday men and women are some of the most epic tales to be told in a world gone to hell. They fight monsters, aliens, the paranormal, the elements, and each other, all with the hope of reclaiming their lives from the Chaos.

Expeditionary Force Marines™ is ready to ship right now! It is a riveting Robotech® sourcebook that carries you to alien worlds. Your characters can pilot the early Cyclones and next generation of Destroids, liberate alien worlds and engage the merciless Invid Regent, his Inorganic shock troopers and Invid swarms. Epic, planet-hopping adventure awaits.

The Robotech®: Expeditionary Force Marines Sourcebook is set in space with the UEEF (United Earth Expeditionary Force) led by Admiral Rick Hunter, Lisa Hayes, Breetai and Exedore. This valiant force of mecha-clad heroes travel across the galaxy liberating planets from the bondage of the Invid Regent, the Robotech Masters and other tyrants and monsters. New alien people are introduced and become part of the Expeditionary Force Marines. In between their ongoing war with the Regent and his Invid and Inorganics, they explore planets, battle space pirates and face treachery on many fronts.

5 new Marine O.C.C.s, 22 M.O.S. skill packages, and some new skills.

8 new Destroids, two of them Zentraedi, plus a Battloid or two.

6 new Cyclones, including Space Cyclones, the Spider Hover Cyclone, the Walker and more.

Robotech® RPG Tactics™

– Available now in the USA, Canada, European Union, Australia and New Zealand

If you love Robotech®, you’ll want to take a look at this game. Beautifully detailed game pieces of your favorite Robotech® mecha, and fast playing rules that capture the Robotech® experience in a new, exciting way. And this is just the beginning. We have so much more planned. Available NOW – in game stores across the USA, Canada, UK, European Union, Australia and New Zealand.

Robotech® RPG Tactics™ "Starter Box" – Cat. No. 55100 – $99.95 retail price. This is the game Robotech® fans have wanted for decades. Robotech® RPG Tactics™ is a fast-paced, tabletop combat game that captures the action and adventure of the Robotech® anime. Two or more players can engage in small squad skirmishes or scale up to massive battles. Relive the clashes of the First Robotech War, engage in stand-alone tactical games, or use the dynamic game pieces to enhance your Robotech® RPG experience. Or simply collect your favorite mecha from an expanding range of top-notch game pieces.

The First Six Robotech® RPG Tactics™ Expansion Packs are available to retail along with the main box game. Here are the SKUs and retail prices.

Robotech® RPG Tactics™ Rulebook – Cat. No. 55105 – $20.00 retail. Note: This is the same rulebook that is included in the main game box, and is offered separately for those who want an extra copy, or want to check out the rules before buying the whole game.

NEW! Palladium Fantasy RPG® Sourcebook: Bizantium and the Northern Islands™ – Available now

To the civilized world, Bizantium and the waters and lands around it are frightening. A realm of sea serpents, monsters, and barbarians. To the heroes and people who live there, it is a realm of adventure, beauty and opportunity. One might consider Bizantium as the center of adventure and mystery in the North.

North of Bizantium are the Icy Ocean and Great Ice Shelf, places where only a handful of the bravest Bizantian sailors have ever set sail, and the rest of the world knows nothing about. For kingdoms in the south, only a few scholars have ever heard of the Great Ice Shelf or the cannibalistic Necromancers known as the Iceborn who make the frozen wasteland their home. Those who have heard tales of the land of ice and death are convinced they are nothing but the stuff of myth. Very soon, they will find out otherwise. And these are but a few of the revelations presented in Bizantium and the Northern Islands™. Discover for yourself the wonders and horrors that await.

Waterchanter O.C.C. and 20+ magic spells new to the Fantasy setting.

Necromancy revisited. Many spells new to the Fantasy setting.

90+ spells in all, including Ocean Magic for the Waterchanter, Necromancy and more.

Serpent Chaser, Bizantium Marine and other new character classes.

The Iceborn, their man-eating Raiders, Skinbinders and Sea Witches. A forgotten race of monsters who worship death, wield death magic, hunt humanoids, eat their flesh, and wear their skin. A villain you will love to hate.

The Iceborn’s Necroilus – massive vessels made from the remains of dead sea serpents and animated by Necromancy to prowl the seas.

NEW! Rifts® Special Order Products – PRINT on Demand

The following items are something new, proposed by and created by Tags, a fan of Rifts® and Palladium Books. He did the design work and had the sample products that are shown here created by Victor Narvaez at NY Embroidery. We liked what these two gents created, so we are making them available to you as Special Orders.

Here’s how Rifts® Special Order Products will work. In most cases, we have to order a limited quantity to make manufacturing and shipping cost effective (we can’t make just one at a time, but can make a dozen at a time). That means when we have a sufficient number of “Special Orders” we can have them made in a week and shipped in another week or two. And with Autumn and Winter and the holidays coming up fast, this might be a good time to order things like Reporter Bags, Embroidered Hoodies, caps and Three-Season Jackets. Enjoy and think Christmas gifts. Please Note: Your credit card will not be charged until the Special Order is in actual manufacturing.

Rifts® Glitter Boy in Flames Jacket

A 3-Season Jacket – Winter, Fall and Spring – any Rifts® fan would be proud to wear.

Warm and comfy for Fall and Winter wearing. Personally, I think this jacket is too warm for Spring wear. The fleece lining is NOT removable.

On the front of this stylish jacket (I own one, myself) is the full Rifts® Logo in a gold color over the left breast.

On the back is a massive and detailed, 11x15 inch embroidered image of the fan favorite depiction of a Glitter Boy standing brave and bold amongst flames and destruction bearing the American Flag. We are told that this embroidery image has 400,000 stitches and takes 9 hours to embroider, and it is detailed and beautiful.

Art by Scott Johnson.

Water resistant.

Two zipper pockets.

EZEM System and easy care.

We’ve been told we are crazy to sell this jacket for anything less than $450, but . . . well, we are crazy, so you can order your embroidered Rifts® Jacket for only $275 plus shipping.

Rifts® Glitter Boy in Flames “Zipper Hoodie”

A Gildan or Fruit of the Loom hoodie (depending on availability) suitable for Fall and Spring wear (or if you are Kathy Simmons, Winter too). This is the same design as the Rifts® jacket with the Rifts® logo on the front and the big, Glitter Boy in Flames image on the back for almost half the price as the jacket. Both Chuck Walton and Kathy Simmons have their Rifts® hoodie for the Fall. Shouldn’t you?

Black zipper hoodie – Gildan or Fruit of the Loom depending on availability.

On the front of this hoodie is the Rifts® Logo in a gold color over the left breast.

On the back is a massive and detailed, 11x15 inch embroidered image of the fan favorite depiction of a Glitter Boy standing brave and bold amongst flames and destruction bearing the American Flag. We are told that this embroidery image has 400,000 stitches and takes 9 hours to embroider, and it is detailed and beautiful.

Rifts® Baseball Cap – Black Cap, “Gold” Rifts® Logo

I (Kevin Siembieda) am not a baseball cap guy, but I love this cap and have been wearing mine on my morning walks. I like the comfortable fit and I do not seem to sweat as much wearing this cap compared to others I have tried. (The trail I take has me walking into the morning sun, so I need a cap.) I prefer the gold logo, but red was the hot seller at Gen Con.

Rifts® Logo Reporter’s Bag (Clean Look)

This useful carrying bag has three large pockets for books being taken to your Rifts® gaming session, plus two smaller pouches for pens or dice sealed via hook and loop fasteners. The front flap is a dynamic, full Rifts® logo on a field of crackling blue energy from a ley line. Also suitable as a school/college book bag.

The full Rifts® Logo on a field of crackling blue energy.

Colorful and dynamic sublimation printing.

Sturdy design; 100% polyester.

Two large pockets for books, and a smaller third pocket that zippers shut.

Rifts® Logo Extreme Reporter’s Bag

This useful carrying bag has two large pockets for books being taken to your Rifts® gaming session, plus two smaller pouches for pens or dice sealed via hook and loop fasteners. The front flap is a dynamic, full, modified Rifts® logo on a field of crackling blue energy from a ley line. Also suitable as a school/college book bag.

The full Rifts® Logo on a field of crackling blue energy.

Colorful and dynamic sublimation printing.

Sturdy design; 100% polyester.

Two large pockets for books, and a smaller third pocket that zippers shut.

PDF downloads from DriveThruRPG.com

This is a great resource for getting out of print Palladium titles and other select books. We’ve made 100 titles available as PDF digital downloads from DriveThruRPG.com, as well as Fantasy Paper Miniatures, Game Master resources and other good things with more to come. This is a great way to try Palladium products and get access to out of print RPG source material. Some notable titles include: